Genesis 36 23

Genesis 36:23 kjv

And the children of Shobal were these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36:23 nkjv

These were the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36:23 niv

The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam.

Genesis 36:23 esv

These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36:23 nlt

The descendants of Shobal were Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 23 meaning

Genesis 36:23 states the immediate lineage of Shobal, one of the Horite chiefs who inhabited Seir prior to the full establishment of Esau's descendants, by listing his five sons: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. This verse, embedded within the extensive genealogies of Edom, serves to trace the tribal structure and the complex intermingling of the indigenous Horite peoples with Esau's progeny, highlighting the ancient regional demographic.

Genesis 36 23 Context

Genesis chapter 36 provides an extensive genealogy of Esau and his descendants, the Edomites. It details Esau's wives, his children, and their tribal chiefs, along with a separate, yet related, genealogy of the Horites who were the indigenous inhabitants of the land of Seir. The verses immediately preceding 36:23 introduce Seir the Horite and his sons (36:20-21), among whom Shobal is listed. This establishes the context for Shobal's own lineage provided in verse 23. The purpose of these lists is multifaceted: to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau (Gen 25:23) that he would become a nation, to distinguish the lineages of Esau from Jacob while acknowledging their shared patriarchal roots, and to explain the historical relationship and eventual dominance of the Edomites over the Horites in the region of Seir (Deut 2:12, 22).

Genesis 36 23 Word analysis

• These are the sons of: This phrase (Hebrew: אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי, elleh bĕnê) is a common formula used in biblical genealogies to introduce a new generation or line of descent. Its repetitive use emphasizes the meticulous tracking of lineage and tribal divisions, serving as a structured record of procreation and group identity.
• Shobal: (שׁוֹבָל, Shoval) Shobal is explicitly named as one of the "sons of Seir the Horite" (Gen 36:20) and later as a "chief of the Horites" (Gen 36:29). His prominence suggests he was a significant figure among the original inhabitants of Seir. The name "Shobal" itself possibly relates to a flowing garment or trail, though specific meaning associations with these personal names from such ancient contexts are often speculative or lost.
• Alvan: (עַלְוָן, Alvan) Listed as the first son of Shobal. In 1 Chr 1:40, this name appears as "Alian" (עַלְיָן, Alyân), which is likely a textual or dialectal variation, perhaps indicative of scribal transmission. Names starting with "Al" might be related to height or ascension.
• Manahath: (מָנַחַת, Manachath) This name might be related to "resting place" or "tranquility." Notably, a place called Manahath is mentioned elsewhere (1 Chr 8:6), suggesting a clan associated with this name potentially settled or resided in a particular locale.
• Ebal: (עֵיבָל, Eval) The name Ebal can mean "stone" or "bare mountain." There is a prominent Mount Ebal in Israel (Deut 11:29), though direct connection is unlikely given the Edomite context. However, it signifies a connection to geographical features.
• Shepho: (שְׁפוֹ, Shepho) Sometimes written as "Shephi" (שְׁפִי, Shephi) in 1 Chr 1:40. The meaning of this name is obscure, possibly related to an old root meaning "to be bare" or "shorn," or even "judged."
• Onam: (אוֹנָם, Onam) The final son listed. The name might relate to "strength" or "vigor," deriving from a root meaning to "be strong."

Genesis 36 23 Bonus section

The mention of the "Horites" and their displacement by Esau's descendants (Deut 2:12, 22) reflects a biblical theme of divine orchestration in the settling of nations, similar to Israel's displacement of the Canaanites. The genealogical lists here, including that of Shobal and his sons, likely preserved the memory of clans or tribal groups within Edom. Some scholars suggest the names here could also be associated with specific places or territories controlled by these families within ancient Edom. This record also illustrates God's faithfulness to His promise of making Esau "a great nation," despite Esau not being the inheritor of the primary covenant promise. It shows the detailed historical grounding of the biblical narrative.

Genesis 36 23 Commentary

Genesis 36:23 is a single verse in a larger genealogical roster, yet its concise detail is profound for understanding the formation of the Edomite nation. By naming Shobal's sons, the text underscores the detailed lineage record of the indigenous Horite people who inhabited Mount Seir before Esau's descendants arrived. These lists of chiefs and their sons served a vital function in ancient Near Eastern societies, outlining social hierarchies, territorial claims, and inter-group relations. This particular verse signifies the establishment of distinct clans or families under the chieftain Shobal. The variation between "Alvan" and "Alian" (1 Chr 1:40) serves as a common example of ancient textual transmission and variations in naming conventions or transliteration across different biblical records. Ultimately, this seemingly simple listing provides critical evidence of the multi-layered demographic and political landscape of Seir, emphasizing the complex historical processes through which the Edomites became a prominent power in the region through both direct lineage and interaction with pre-existing inhabitants, even taking their places.